VetCT, a global telemedicine provider, is offering free access to its network of veterinary specialists temporarily to assist veterinarians during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Vet to Vet Telemedicine service opens VetCT’s 24-hour online hospital, giving veterinarians the ability to consult board certified internists, surgeons, criticalists, ophthalmologists, and neurologists—VetCT’s network includes about 50 specialists in all.
“We hope that Vets will find this simplified access helpful in providing improved patient care to their patients that cannot access specialty care immediately, or in cases where their normal specialty support may not be currently available,” says VetCT USA Vice President Matthew Winter, DVM, DACVR. “It is not intended to supplant existing relationships or to replace physical referral.”
Veterinarians are able to register at VetCT’s website, or email info@vet-ct.com to get started. From there, veterinarians can enter the “Telemedicine Hospital” and choose the specialist they want to consult. VetCT assists in sending supporting material such as lab results, photos and video, and Winter says there is no fee or tie-in.
“We recognize that this is a trying time, and the coronavirus has had a huge impact on all of us,” says Winter. “The added stress of needing care for a sick pet amplifies an already anxious time for clients. We wanted to do our small part to help veterinarians on the front lines that are working in challenging conditions to help pets across the globe. Offering a service like this is a natural part of our mission, and many veterinary specialists have come together to help deliver this service free of charge.”
Veterinary professionals are turning to telemedicine to assist clients while many U.S. residents are following shelter-in-place orders. As more clinics adopt the tools and clients become more comfortable with telemedicine, these services could become more widely adopted as standard practice.
Telemedicine Resources for Veterinarians
• Telemedicine Emerges as a Care Option for Veterinary Patients
• Veterinary Telehealth: What Is It, Where Are We, and What’s Next?
• FDA Partially Suspends VCPR Enforcement for Veterinary Telemedicine During Coronavirus Pandemic